Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming passenger was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (April 17) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted the incoming 42-year-old female passengeron November 11, 2025 at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and seized 1 541 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $6,300 and a duty potential of about $5,000. She was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form(eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
AFCD investigates suspected illegal trawling by local vessel
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is investigating two local persons and four Mainland fishermen deckhands for suspected illegal trawling in the waters off Shek Kwu Chau.
Marine Police officers found a local vessel suspected of conducting illegal trawling activities in the waters off Shek Kwu Chau at about 10.30pm yesterday (April 16). After being notified, AFCD officers conducted investigations and seized some apparatus for use in trawling on the vessel.
The AFCD is proceeding with evidence collection and investigation into the alleged use of prohibited fishing gear in contravention of the Fisheries Protection Regulations (Cap. 171A).
An AFCD spokesman reminded the public that the ban on trawling has come into force since December 31, 2012. Under the Regulations, any person using prohibited fishing gear for fishing upon conviction is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The spokesman added that trawling is a non-selective fishing operation that damages the seabed and harms marine ecosystems. The ban on trawling brings this harmful depletion to an immediate halt, enabling marine ecosystems to be gradually rehabilitated to a sustainable level and be better conserved in the long run.
The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will maintain close contact with relevant law enforcement departments and step up patrols and stringently enforce the law."
AFCD investigates suspected illegal trawling by local vessel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
